New York City — In a candid moment on The Joe Budden Podcast that has since gone viral, A$AP Rocky dropped a bombshell that sent fans reeling: he’s not done building his family with Rihanna, and he’s playfully eyeing Nick Cannon’s record of 12 children. The Harlem rapper, 37, who welcomed his third child with the global superstar just months ago, kept the door wide open for more kids, blending humor, faith, and a touch of bravado in his response. The clip has exploded across social media, with fans divided between amusement, shock, and speculation about whether the couple is seriously planning to expand their brood into double digits.
The exchange happened during a recent Patreon-exclusive episode of the Joe Budden Podcast Network. Host Joe Budden, known for his direct style, asked Rocky point-blank if he was “done with kids” after welcoming daughter Rocki Irish Mayers in September 2025, joining older brothers RZA Athelston (born May 2022) and Riot Rose (born August 2023). Rocky’s answer was anything but a simple no. “Listen, man, whatever God give me, you know what I’m saying? Like, it’s a blessing,” he replied. “I ain’t gon’ hold you though, we got our hands full right now. We got a whole football team right now. I’m about to catch up to Nick Cannon, you sh*ttin’ me?”
The line landed like a punchline, drawing laughter from Budden and co-hosts, but it quickly spread far beyond the podcast. Nick Cannon, the entertainer and father of 12 children with multiple partners, has become synonymous with large families in pop culture. His roster includes kids from various relationships, and he’s openly discussed the joys and challenges of fatherhood on a grand scale. Rocky’s joke—referencing a “football team” (11 players on the field) and then escalating to Cannon’s 12—implied he’s not just open to more; he’s eyeing a competitive tally. Fans immediately latched on, flooding comments with reactions like “Rocky tryna start a dynasty,” “Rihanna about to have her own starting lineup,” and “Nick Cannon watch out, Harleml coming for the crown.”
The humor landed because Rocky and Rihanna have built one of music’s most admired family units. Their relationship, which went public in 2021 after years of friendship and rumored romance, has unfolded with a rare blend of privacy and openness. They welcomed RZA in 2022, Riot in 2023, and Rocki in 2025, each arrival celebrated with dramatic reveals—Rihanna’s Met Gala bump in 2025 being a standout moment. Rocky has spoken glowingly about fatherhood in interviews, describing it as a blessing and emphasizing how it grounds him. In one recent appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, he shared insights into the distinct personalities of his children: Rocki as the “baby twin” who “took over the whole household,” RZA as thoughtful, and Riot full of energy. He credits Rihanna for being an incredible partner and mother, noting how they “spice things up” despite the demands of three young kids.
Rihanna herself has echoed similar sentiments. In past interviews, she’s described motherhood as transformative, saying “as many as God wants me to have” when asked about family size. The couple’s approach—letting life unfold naturally while prioritizing love and togetherness—contrasts sharply with Cannon’s more publicized, multi-partner dynamic. Yet Rocky’s lighthearted comparison sparked debate: Is it just a joke, or does it hint at genuine plans? Some fans celebrated the ambition, praising Rocky’s confidence and the couple’s strong bond. Others expressed shock at the scale, questioning the logistics of raising even more children amid busy careers—Rihanna’s Fenty empire and Rocky’s recent album Don’t Be Dumb, plus his teasing of a deluxe edition.
Social media reactions poured in fast. On Instagram and TikTok, edits of Rocky and Rihanna’s family photos were captioned with football puns and Cannon memes. X users ran polls: “Team Rocky or Team Cannon?” while others joked about Rihanna needing a “full squad” to match her business empire. The clip’s virality highlights how invested fans are in the couple’s life—every interview snippet becomes fodder for speculation. Rocky’s delivery—casual, self-aware, and laced with humor—made the moment endearing rather than boastful. He acknowledged the chaos of three under three (“hands full”) but framed more kids as a divine gift, aligning with his and Rihanna’s faith-centered approach to family.
The joke also ties into broader cultural conversations about celebrity families. Nick Cannon has defended his choices, calling fatherhood a “rich man’s sport” and emphasizing love in each relationship. Rocky’s quip playfully engages that narrative without endorsing the specifics, keeping the focus on his own journey with Rihanna. The couple has always prioritized privacy for their children, rarely sharing faces or names publicly until ready. RZA, Riot, and Rocki remain largely shielded, with glimpses limited to hands, backs, or artistic shots.
As the clip continues to circulate, fans are left wondering if Rocky’s words were pure banter or a subtle hint. With three young children already filling their home, the idea of “catching up” to Cannon feels ambitious—yet with this duo, nothing seems impossible. Their love story—from friends to partners to parents—has always defied expectations. Whether they add more to the “football team” or keep the current lineup, one thing is clear: A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are building something enduring, one child, one joke, and one headline at a time.
